Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed once again, now set to launch on November 19, 2026. The announcement came during Take-Two Interactive’s second-quarter earnings report, where the company stated that Rockstar Games needed “additional time to finish the game with the high level of polish players expect and deserve.”
The delay marks yet another pushback for one of the most anticipated titles in gaming history. Originally announced for a fall 2025 release, GTA 6 was later moved to May 2026 before this latest change. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick reiterated the company’s confidence in Rockstar, calling the developer’s pursuit of perfection a central reason behind the extended timeline. He also noted that the release still falls within the same fiscal year, which likely helps maintain Take-Two’s financial outlook.
Given Rockstar’s track record, the delay isn’t entirely unexpected. The studio is known for postponing major releases to meet internal standards — a pattern seen with previous titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V. While many fans are used to the long waits between Rockstar projects, frustration has grown among players eager for a glimpse beyond the trailers and controlled updates.
Despite the delay, Take-Two assured investors that the update schedule for GTA Online will continue as planned. The company emphasized that ongoing content for the existing Grand Theft Auto ecosystem remains a priority while work on GTA 6 continues.
The news comes amid broader challenges at Take-Two. Just days before the announcement, the publisher faced controversy after terminating dozens of employees accused of misconduct and leaking confidential information. The dismissed workers, however, claim they were fired for discussing unionization efforts, and protests were reported outside Rockstar North and Take-Two’s UK offices.
Financially, Take-Two’s latest quarter was strong, posting $1.96 billion in net bookings — the best second quarter in its history — driven by releases like NBA 2K26, Mafia: The Old Country, and Borderlands 4. NBA 2K26 alone has sold over five million units since launch, and GTA V continues to perform, surpassing 220 million copies sold globally.
Rockstar’s delays, while disappointing for fans, are part of a broader industry trend where large-scale projects face increasing development timelines. With expectations sky-high and the GTA brand’s reputation at stake, Rockstar appears determined to deliver a finished product that justifies the wait — though players will have to hold out another year to see if that patience pays off.
